Orwell-Danube East Tailings Basin in Itasca, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1954 by USS, with a primary purpose of storing tailings. This 40-foot high dam spans 2000 feet and has a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet. Located near the Prairie River, this structure is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Orwell-Danube East Tailings Basin poses a moderate risk due to its age and condition, which is currently not rated. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is equipped with uncontrolled spillways to manage excess water flow. Emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, are not currently in place, raising some concerns about the management of potential risks associated with the facility. Overall, this structure serves as a critical component of the local mining operations and the surrounding community, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term stability and safety.